DrCatherineBall

Speaker Profile

Dr. Catherine Ball is an author, founder, and ethics advocate working across global projects where robotics and new technology meet environmental protection.

A sought after voice in industry, Dr. Ball is now working with the application of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) aka drone technology across remote communities, schools, industry, and citizen scientists. Dr. Ball is leading the call for discussions around the ethics of spatial data, and commercial drone operations.

Dr. Ball’s biggest passion is found working on projects that have a humanitarian aspect, ranging from the use of RPAS for emergency response, to recording cultural heritage, and agricultural assessments. Dr. Ball has travelled and worked globally on cutting edge projects that combine science, entrepreneurship, empowerment, education, and training.

Dr. Ball’s latest passion project is #SheFlies (www.sheflies.com.au; www.facebook.com/shefliesau) whereby women and girls get a chance to fly and try drone technology. She Flies aims to reach 100,000 Australian women and girls by 2020, and is already expanding internationally.

Dr. Ball continues to support Australia as being the world leader in the non-military application of drone technology, also known as “drones for good”. As such, Catherine has co-created a new, global congress to be held annually in Brisbane starting in August 2017 www.worldofdrones.com.au. The World of Drones Congress will run annually and will be the first significant global drone conference to focus on all parts of the drone economy, and the future of the industry.

Dr. Ball holds a BSc Honours (Environmental Protection) and a PhD (Spatial Ecology, Descriptive and Predictive Statistics) from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the United Kingdom.

Some of the awards Dr. Ball has won include:• 2015 AFR’s BOSS Magazine Young Executives of the Year - Winner?• National Telstra Business Woman of the Year 2015, Corporate and Private Award • Queensland Telstra Business Women's Awards Winner 2015: Queensland Business Woman of the Year, Queensland Corporate and Private. • Innovator of Influence, 2015 at Innovation Week.?• Courier Mail Q Magazine: Queensland 50 Best and Brightest, 2015 • Westpac 100 Women of Influence 2016 (Innovation) • Top 25 Women in Robotics List- 2016

Client Comments for Catherine Ball

The feedback on Catherine was excellent. She was a very engaging and interesting speaker who was a key part of the success of our event.

Client Comments

Client Comments

Part of enjoying IWD with the VIEW Clubs is to listen to the inspiring women speakers such as yourself.

It was interesting to hear your view about the need for flexible working hours for women. Then, through your explanation that followed, emerged the realisation that diversity and innovation together lead to economic success. In today's world, women's stories are being heard and told using various forms of media. Knowing that in the future, 50% of women will be their own bosses is heartening.

The steps that you are taking to ensure environmental protection using the various disciplines of science are innovative.

It was fascinating to follow your ‘Drones for Humanity' project. As a member of the audience, I was grateful to learn about what your project entails. It was amazing to find out about the capability of drones and their multiple uses.

Throughout your talk, I felt that your messages were clearly explained at a level that we could understand. Your passion and enthusiasm for your work and views were evident. I wish you every success in your ventures.

Thank you once again for your stimulating presentation. It has opened my mind to new areas of thought; developing technologies; and modern inventions designed to tackle the needs of the environment and the challenges of the current era. Delegate - Redlands Evening View Club

Securing Dr Catherine Ball as guest speaker at a recent forum proved a highly valuable investment. During her presentation, the room was captivated by her presentation which ticked all the boxes; informative, engaging and thought provoking. It was off the stage where Catherine totally exceeded our expectations. With her dynamic personality, approachable nature and generous character, Catherine enthusiastically interacted with organisers, exhibitors and attendees whilst happily responding to media requests promoting the event.Western Downs Regional Council

I have received such positive feedback about Catherine's address at our Speech Night. Both parents and students listened to every word, she was captivating and thoughtful.Principal, St Catherine's School

Catherine facilitated a 2 hour think tank of about 15 scientific and administration professionals for us. The tank was part of our company's Innovation Strategy. Catherine was able to motivate and enthuse our staff around innovation, and she assisted them to think more deeply about their ideas and outcomes in a fun and interactive environment. Several staff have commented positively around the tank and have suggested that our organisation expose more people to Catherine's valuable business and innovation insight in subsequent think tanks.Technical and Innovation Manager, BMT WBM

The Queensland Spatial Information Council (QSIC) would like to once again thank you for your contribution and support at our #spatialrealworld student event at QUT.

Your keynote speech was enjoyed very much by students and considered to be highly informative, with particular mention of how you made students aware of spatial technologies in relation to the real world. Chair, QSIC

Our invited speaker Catherine Ball was amazing. She spoke for 45 minutes with 15 minutes for question time. She got the audience involved by asking random delegates to stand up and introduce themselves to the wider group, as well as asking others what their "super power" was. She encouraged collaboration between the different sites and encouraged "round tables" where everyone's opinion is of equal value. She was very captivating and we got excellent feedback from the delegates. She was definitely a breath of fresh air and set the scene for the day. It was a privilege to hear her speak - very inspiring!Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR)

Brilliant and thought provoking keynote and panel discussions. My husband just bought me a drone for Christmas!Wired for Wonder

Catherine was fantastic! Very happy to help where she could and delivered dynamic content in a relaxed and engaging manner.AC Events

The feedback on Catherine was excellent. She was a very engaging and interesting speaker who was a key part of the success of our event.Westpac

Thank you again for taking the time to speak at the Women in Leadership event. It was great to have you there yesterday. Attendees have already shared very positive feedback. Your frank address brought a new perspective, contributed to an informed discussion and to deeper understanding of the complex issues you are leading on. We will continue to brief CEDA members and guests on important issues for the State and the nation and will always welcome your advice on this work.CEDA Queensland

A very big thank you for presenting at our Women in Leadership breakfast this morning. We have had rave reviews about your speech and cannot thank you enough for coming along and adding such a great energy and mood to the event. I saw our guests laughing with you at one moment and then shedding a tear the next. You left our audience with inspiring messages and I am sure they all left today feeling positive.Australia Property Institute

Many thanks for your valuable contribution to our GHD Executive Forum yesterday afternoon.We thought the forum was a great success and were delighted with not only your direct contribution, but also your valuable interaction with Virginia Trioli and all the other panellists.GHD

A truly engaging speaker, your knowledge on RPAS technology and uses was a perfect complement to the theme of our business lunch – Drones, Big Data and the National Map. A very informative, inspiring and energetic address. Executive Officer, Regional Development Australia

Catherine is fantastic. So pleased we had her involved in the event. Her energy lifted the room and her thoughts and perspectives were referred to again and again throughout the rest of the conference.Criterion Conferences

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